Wildfire smoke prompts air quality warnings in northeastern Ont.

Areas across northeastern Ontario – including Timmins -- are the subject of an air quality statement from Environment Canada due to drifting wildfire smoke.

As a result of wildfire smoke drifting in from fires west of the area, Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for Manitoulin Island, Chapleau, Missinaibi Lake, Gogama, Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls and Foleyet.

The statement is a result of the impact that smoke from forest fires is having on air quality.

“Public Health Sudbury & Districts would like to remind residents of the health effects of wildfire smoke and how to protect yourself,” the health unit said in a news release Thursday.

Likely to experience symptoms

“Those more likely to experience symptoms from wildfire smoke include older adults, people who smoke, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who do strenuous outdoor work or exercise, and people with existing health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, respiratory or heart conditions.”

The best way to protect your health is to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke, the release said.

You can do this by limiting outdoor and strenuous physical activities, staying indoors with windows and doors closed, and using a portable air purifier.

“Mild symptoms from wildfire smoke can usually be treated at home and may include a mild cough, headache, and eye, nose or throat irritation,” Jane Mantyla, a health promoter with Public Health, said in the release.

“If you have more severe symptoms, talk to a health care provider.”

Free access to a registered nurse can be accessed by calling Health811 —(TTY 1.866.797.0007) – or by clicking here.

“Watch out for severe cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, dizziness, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat,” said Mantyla.